The Charisse Report

Today I have an amazing guest, Naeemah Lafond, a true force within the hair industry.A first generation Haitian American who grew up in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, Naeemah is well versed in hair at every level, as a stylist, artistic director, educator and someone who stands for change and real inclusion.In 2021 she worked with Pinterest on the hair pattern function to improve the user experience for Black, Brown and Latinx people with textured hair in search of style inspiration and advice.A year before, in June 2020, Naeemah created a guide about what needed to change when it came to Black creatives; from hiring black stylists to normalising Black beauty. While Naeemah’s focus was and is of course hair, her guide spoke to everyone in every industry.In this episode we discuss how Naeemah got her start in hairdressing and how her work fits alongside being a mother. She talks about the gap she began noticing in hair education and points out why the onus falls on the system, not the stylist and she shares on that stunning global fashion moment when she created the hair looks for the Christopher John Rogers AW20 show.By the way, there's a dedicated Substack on Naeemah's episode as well as a special video all about that epic Christopher John Rogers show over on my Instagram.Follow Naeemah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naeemahlafond/WHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://thecharissereport.substack.comThreads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionCheck me out on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme Business inquiries: info@charissekenion.com

Today it’s very stream of conscious bonus mini episode. I’ve been thinking about Phoebe Philo’s brand a lot lately. It’s a brand with pieces that I am very attracted to. And, being someone interested and intrigued with how brands market themselves, there’s definitely a lot that piques my interest about Philo.One thing that often gets my attention is the brand’s approach to social media; it’s so chill, almost like they - the brand, as well as the models showing the clothes - could care less. What we see are women simply getting on with their lives, while wearing Phoebe Philo and we get to watch.Ahead of the much-awaited Collection D, dropping early 2026, I wanted to talk and write about what I enjoy about Phoebe Philo, so I figured I’d put out a mini podcast and write it all down on Substack too. So if you prefer to read these words and see the accompanying images head straight to thecharissereport.substack.com – you can read it for free just please be sure to subscribe!Wherever you’re listening, do please subscribe to or follow the show so you never miss another episode of The Charisse Report.Next up I’ve got an epic fashion month round up for you! See you then.WHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://thecharissereport.substack.comThreads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionCheck me out on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme Business inquiries: info@charissekenion.com

If you know Gary Thompson, formerly known as The Plastic Boy, you’re in for such a treat with this episode because Gary shares on everything.In this episode the content creator and makeup expert talks about why he began creating videos over 15 years ago on Youtube, why he called himself the Plastic Boy and why he chooses to be so transparent and open when it comes to his use of fillers and hair transplants, including his recent moustache transplant. I can't remember how long I've followed Gary, but I do know why I follow him; he's one of the most charismatic and sweet humans you could encounter online, and he's exactly the same in real life - he's not one of those weirdo influencers that will talk to you online and then stare at you blankly when you meet them IRL.Gary also shares on his early inspirations, how his Nan was the first family member to discover he was wearing makeup and how his family has always been accepting of his sexuality.He also shares some thoughtful insights on social media, especially being a dark skin black man working in the very white woman-focused world of beauty, as well as why he believes you should never clap back and of course he talks about the beauty brands he loves.LinksFollow Gary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garythompsonFollow Gary on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePlasticBoyFollow Gary on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@garythompsonWHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://thecharissereport.substack.comThreads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionCheck me out on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautymeBusiness inquiries: info@charissekenion.com

Raisa Flowers is one of the most creative makeup artists we have - she does not do basic.Head to her Instagram feed and you’ll see countless magazine covers that feature her work with Teyana Taylor, Precious Lee, Pat Cleveland, Jodie Turner-Smith and many more. You’ll also learn that she’s a DJ and a voluptuous model who has no qualms with appearing nude.In this episode the New York-based DJ and makeup artist shares on everything from her first examples of makeup artistry via YouTubers Jackie Aina and Shrinkle, to how she’s learned to command a team backstage and she also shares on how she built her unapologetic confidence.We enjoyed doing this so much that we’re planning a follow up visual episode where Raisa promises to share all her favourite beauty products, so stay tuned for that!In the meantime be sure to follow Raisa on Instagram and let me know what you think of this episode. You can DM me on Instagram @charisse_kenion and if you’re listening on Spotify we can actually chat over there; so feel free to drop a comment and I will reply.Also, don’t forget the monthly newsletter which you can subscribe to for free over at thecharissereport.substack com.LinksFollow Raisa Flowers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisaflowers?WHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://thecharissereport.substack.comThreads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionCheck me out on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautymeBusiness inquiries: info@charissekenion.com #makeup #makeup artist #raisa flowers 

For some the Maison Margiela Artisanal 2025 show was everything they’d hoped for – clothes that stood for something and contained an otherworldly beauty and thoughtful details.For others, it was discomforting, even ugly and the fact that we couldn’t see the models’ faces was disturbing.In this episode of The Charisse Report we’re going to look at themes of uglifying, destruction and sustainability, as well as smaller details like the body as a canvas the masks, plastic and the music from the show. After that I’ll share my favourite looks with you.If you want a visual version of this episode you can find it on YouTube and Spotify.In this episode: Martin Margiela, Antwerp, Maison Margiela, Glenn Martens, Yohan Serfaty, Inge Grognard, Gary Gill, Diesel, Fashion, The Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan, Lucas Emilio Brunner, Uglify, Lewis CarrollMorgan DeBaun Digital twin video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMLHGpISF9u/?igsh=bnVrMjZqazU3c2d1 Nick Cave interview: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKZAqbBAB5a/?igsh=MWpsa2xkNGp1cDVjYQ==Imagery: Martin Margiela’s White Universe 1988-2008 published by MoMu Fashion MuseumVogue Runway@maison.margiela.archive on IGBooksUgly: The Aesthetics of Everything by Stephen Bayley: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/116280726122Maison Martin Margiela’s White Universe 1988-2008 MoMu 2025: https://tenderbooks.co.uk/products/martin-margielas-white-universe-1988-2008

Yes we are ba-ack! New name, new format but still the same focus on bringing you the stories and guests who truly shape the fashion and beauty landscape.My first guest for this new format is the one and only Sam Fine; the ground-breaking makeup artist who celebrates the beauty of women of colour through his work and created an industry bible in the form of Fine Beauty: BeautyBasics and Beyond for African American Women.Today Sam's skills are still in demand for a slew of celebrity clients and most recently he won the Icon Award at the eleventh annual Met Gala Artists Dinner.In this episode Sam shares on how he decided to become a makeup artist, how being adopted at just six months old gave him a different view on the concept of family and why he's so passionate about centring black beauty.And there's more; as well as this episode there's also a fully-visual edited version over on YouTube so you get to see more of Sam's work in all its glory.Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCharisseReportLinksFollow Sam Fine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samfinebeauty/WHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://thecharissereport.substack.com/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionCheck me out on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautymeBusiness inquiries: info@charissekenion.com

This episode is an interview with makeup artist Juho Lehiö. Based in Copenhagen, Juho’s work first caught my eye on TikTok and I fell in love with his style, even though if I had to, I think I would find it hard to pinpoint. He has often worked alongside the brilliant Inge Grognard, my favourite anti-fashion makeup artist, as well as the icon that is Pat McGrath – so I feel like he knows how to do any look, from the most simple and deconstructed to the most creative, refined look.We cover a lot in this episode; from Juho purchasing his first Wet and Wild makeup palette to learning how to treat his skin like a 60-year old woman, to how theatre and dance influenced his take on makeup and also how he’s noticed that some makeup artists backstage at fashion week don’t want to work on models with black or brown skin.We also discuss the value of feedback when it comes to your work and how you can stand against oppression when you work in the fashion space. Also, be sure to listen all the way to the end because I share a special announcement!LinksFollow Juho on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lehiojuhoFollow Juho on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lehiojuhoWHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://beautymenotes.substack.comThreads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionCheck out my ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautymeBusiness inquiries: info@charissekenion.com

The 2025 Met Gala dress code was ‘Tailored for You’ and on the night, many of the guests were inspired by the themes and concepts on show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute exhibition ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.’On the night we saw heavy influences of the Black Dandy, a little international flavour and a lot of tailoring with highlights coming from the likes of Zendaya, Lewis Hamilton and Teyana Taylor.In this Met Gala special I chat with fashion creator Aston Em, beauty editor Kayla A. Greaves and stylist Justin Friedman to find out their top 5 blue carpet looks. As well as sharing my own favourite moments, I also share information on the history of the Met Gala and how Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity formed the basis of the exhibition.LinksFind Aston on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astonemmmFind Kayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylaagreavesFind Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomfordforgucciWHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://beautymenotes.substack.comThreads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionFind me on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautymeBusiness inquiries: info@charissekenion.com  

Today's guest is Penélope Silva Miranda but you might know her by her social media name @documoda.The Documoda account is one of the most well thought out fashion history accounts anywhere on the internet. Penélope doesn’t just spout opinions or react to current issues; she is someone who truly knows the value of research and has a genuine love for the deep dive and sharing it with her growing army of followers on TikTok and Instagram.In this episode Penélope is open on a wide range of subjects, from the danger of the trad wife trend to how having a child changed her life as well as her experiences growing up in Latin America, feeding her fashion appetite watching the iconic Tim Blanks on Fashion Files.Note:In the final five minutes segment near the end of the show we discuss forgiveness and second chances as the conversation turns to two problematic men: John Galliano and Kanye West.We do not support any kind of hate speech or antisemitism on this show, but if you don’t want to hear anything at all pertaining to these two, please feel free to end your listening there.LinksWHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://beautymenotes.substack.comThreads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionCheck me out on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme Business inquiries: info@charissekenion.com 

This week my guest is Michela Wariebi, a New York-based makeup artist who was born in Monrovia, Liberia.I can’t remember when or how I first discovered Michela, but I know why I followed her; she has this brilliant relationship with colour, especially when it comes to black skin, and she is an artist in the truest sense of the word.In this episode Michela is really open and thoughtful; she’s honest about what she calls her trash morning routine and she shares which beauty innovations have inspired her the most throughout her 15 year long career.We also discuss the importance of grooming as a ritual and we talk about how beauty is not just about creating an aesthetic, it’s also how we communicate.We also touch upon the recent conversations around why Pat McGrath Labs is apparently failing when Pat McGrath the woman is a unicorn in the beauty industry and the importance of archiving black beauty practices and products.Follow Michela on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/michelawariebi/WHERE TO FIND MESubstack: https://beautymenotes.substack.comThreads: https://www.threads.net/@charisse_kenion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisse_kenion/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenionCheck me out on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme Business inquiries: info@charissekenion.com